US20070039811A1 - Push-on switch - Google Patents
Push-on switch Download PDFInfo
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- US20070039811A1 US20070039811A1 US11/497,373 US49737306A US2007039811A1 US 20070039811 A1 US20070039811 A1 US 20070039811A1 US 49737306 A US49737306 A US 49737306A US 2007039811 A1 US2007039811 A1 US 2007039811A1
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- Prior art keywords
- switch
- segment
- push
- contact
- movable contact
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035807 sensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
- H01H13/64—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member wherein the switch has more than two electrically distinguishable positions, e.g. multi-position push-button switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
- H01H13/48—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using buckling of disc springs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2231/00—Applications
- H01H2231/046—Camera
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a multistage push-on switch used mainly in an input operation section or the like of various electronic apparatuses, such as cameras and video camcorders.
- One of conventionally known push-on switches of this type is a dual-stage switch in which a first-stage switch turns on when the switch is lightly pressed, and then a second-stage switch turns on when the switch is more firmly pressed.
- Such a push-on switch is frequently used in an input operation section, such as a shutter release button of a camera and a record start button of a video camcorder.
- FIG. 11 is an exterior perspective view of a conventional push-on switch.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 11 to 13 B show substantially rectangular switch enclosure 1 made of resin that includes recess 1 A with an open upper side.
- Those bare, fixed contacts are formed by insert molding.
- Connection terminals 2 A, 2 B and 3 A electrically continuous with respective fixed contacts are led out to outer sides of switch enclosure 1 and protrude therefrom.
- Connection terminal 6 A which is a dummy terminal, is also provided on an outer side of switch enclosure 1 and protrudes therefrom.
- a pair of step-shaped movable contact receptacles 4 at opposite positions on side walls that form recess 1 A.
- a pair of cutout grooves 5 along a line perpendicular to the line connecting one of movable contact receptacles 4 and the other movable contact receptacle 4 .
- movable contact 7 formed by press working elastic sheet metal includes spherically, upward curved center disc segment 8 ; circular ring segment 10 that is concentrically disposed outside disc segment 8 with a fixed distance therebetween; a pair of inclined connecting segments 9 that are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of movable contact 7 and connect disc segment 8 and ring segment 10 such that disc segment 8 is higher than ring segment 10 ; and a pair of linearly projecting segments 11 that protrude outward from ring segment 10 .
- Ring segment 10 is curved upward in a substantially V-shape such that two opposite positions disposed perpendicular to connecting segments 9 are two apexes 10 B.
- FIG. 16 is a plan view showing movable contact 7 mounted in switch enclosure 1 .
- Projecting segments 11 are inserted in cutout grooves 5 such that the convexly curved side of movable contact 7 orients upward.
- Side sections 10 A of the V-shaped bends of ring segment 10 are disposed in recess 1 A of switch enclosure 1 such that they are mounted on movable contact receptacles 4 , as shown in FIG. 13B .
- switch enclosure 1 The upper side of switch enclosure 1 is covered with flexible insulating film sheet 12 , as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 12 .
- Metal cover 13 is attached to switch enclosure 1 via sheet 12 .
- Sheet 12 is sandwiched between the lower side of metal cover 13 and the upper end face of switch enclosure 1 as well as low-profile projection 1 B disposed on the upper end face of switch enclosure 1 such that projection 1 B surrounds recess 1 A.
- metal cover 13 includes a pair of elastic arms 13 B extending from flat frame-like segment 13 A toward the center of metal cover 13 , and center pressing segment 13 C joined with flat frame-like segment 13 A via elastic arms 13 B.
- Pressing segment 13 C has a substantially circular periphery and is provided with downward projection 13 D at its center that protrudes downward.
- the thus configured conventional push-on switch is normally of f because movable contact 7 is apart from peripheral contacts 2 and center contact 3 , as shown in FIG. 13A .
- FIGS. 17A, 17B , 18 A and 18 B are cross-sectional views taken along the line P-P shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 17B and 18B are cross-sectional views taken along the line Q-Q shown in FIG. 11 .
- these drawings only show main segments for metal cover 13 .
- FIG. 19 shows the relationship between the travel in each operation described above and the timing when the switch at each stage turns on.
- Such a conventional push-on switch is equipped as a switch of a shutter release section of a digital still camera, for example, and an on-signal supplied from the first-stage switch by a light press operation activates focus adjustment for a subject. Another on-signal supplied from the second-stage switch by a firmer press operation fires the shutter.
- the above-mentioned conventional push-on switch is equipped, for example, in shutter release sections of various cameras.
- digital still cameras and video camcorders become commonplace, such cameras themselves have been modified in various ways and provided with enhanced functionality and user friendly features.
- the invention overcomes such problems associated with the related art and provides a multistage push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained.
- a push-on switch according to the invention includes:
- the switch enclosure made of insulating resin (a) includes:
- the movable contact (b) includes:
- the pressing segment of the metal cover may be pressed downward and comes into contact with the disc segment of the movable contact to turn a first-stage switch on, and a force required to move the pressing segment may be lower than conventionally required.
- the movable contact comes into contact with the peripheral contacts to turn a second-stage switch on where the peripheral contacts are electrically continuous with each other. Subsequent firmer pressing operation causes the disc segment of the movable contact to be inverted in shape to turn a third-stage switch on where the movable contact also comes into contact with the center contact.
- the outer contact of the push-on switch according to the invention is electrically continuous with one of the peripheral contacts, so that the first-stage switch is always on when the second-stage switch turns on.
- the push-on switch according to the invention is configured such that the lower side of the sheet around the center through hole is adhesively held over a circular ring portion of the disc segment of the movable contact, resulting in highly dustproof construction.
- the invention can provide a multistage push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the push-on switch according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is another cross-sectional view of the push-on switch according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the push-on switch according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of the switch enclosure according to the invention.
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention
- FIG. 7 is a state-transition diagram during the operation of the push-on switch according to the invention.
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention
- FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the third-stage switch;
- FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of other configuration
- FIG. 11 is an exterior perspective view of a conventional push-on switch
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the conventional push-on switch taken along the line P-P shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 is a plan view of the switch enclosure of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 15A is a plan view of the movable contact of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 15B is a side view of the movable contact of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the movable contact mounted in the switch enclosure of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown in FIG. 11 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the conventional push-on switch;
- FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown in FIG. 11 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch of the conventional push-on switch;
- FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown in FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 19 is a state-transition diagram during the operation of the conventional push-on switch of FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views of the push-on switch according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the push-on switch of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 .
- substantially rectangular switch enclosure 21 made of resin has recess 21 A with an open upper side.
- Substantially circular recess 21 A has cutout grooves 22 and 23 at corners of switch enclosure 21 .
- recess 21 A there are also provided a pair of step-shaped movable contact receptacles 24 disposed at right angles with respect to cutout grooves 22 and 23 .
- Fixed center contact 3 is formed by insert molding at the center position on the inner bottom of recess 21 A.
- Two electrically isolated peripheral contacts 31 and 32 are disposed equidistantly from center contact 3 on the periphery of recess 21 A. Those bare, fixed contacts are formed by insert molding.
- the height difference between peripheral contacts 31 , 32 and center contact 3 is the same as that of the example of the related art.
- Peripheral contact 31 is routed toward cutout groove 22 and forms the bottom of cutout groove 22 .
- the bottom of cutout groove 22 protrudes upward from the inner bottom of recess 21 A and outer contact 41 is formed on the bottom of cutout groove 22 .
- peripheral contact 32 is routed away from the bottom of cutout groove 23 and embedded in switch enclosure 21 .
- Connection terminal 3 A electrically continuous with center contact 3 is led out to an outer side of switch enclosure 21 and protrudes therefrom.
- Connection terminal 31 A electrically continuous with peripheral contact 31 and outer contact 41 as well as connection terminal 32 A electrically continuous with peripheral contact 32 are also independently led out to outer sides of switch enclosure 21 and protrude therefrom.
- connection terminal 6 A is also provided as a dummy terminal.
- Movable contact 7 is accommodated in recess 21 A. Movable contact 7 has projecting segments 11 linearly protruding therefrom and slightly bent downward at a predetermined angle.
- Projecting segments 11 of movable contact 7 are inserted in cutout grooves 22 and 23 such that the convexly curved side of center disc segment 8 as well as apexes 10 B of the V-shaped bends of circular ring segment 10 that is concentrically joined with the periphery of center disc segment 8 orient upward.
- Side sections 10 A of the V-shaped bends of ring segment 10 are disposed in recess 21 A of switch enclosure 21 such that they are mounted on movable contact receptacles 24 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the lower end of one of projecting segments 11 inserted in cutout groove 22 is permanently connected with outer contact 41 that forms the bottom of cutout groove 22 .
- the lower end of the other projecting segment 11 inserted in cutout groove 23 also abuts the bottom of cutout groove 23 .
- the other projecting segment 11 may be disposed at a slightly different height relative to the one of projecting segments 11 and hence faces off against cutout groove 23 .
- Elastic sheet 50 made of rubber or insulating film has circular center through hole 50 A smaller than disc segment 8 of movable contact 7 .
- the center of center through hole 50 A is located at the center of disc segment 8 , and the periphery of sheet 50 is sandwiched between the lower side of flat frame-like segment 13 A of metal cover 13 and the upper end face of switch enclosure 21 as well as low-profile projection 21 B disposed on the upper end face of switch enclosure 21 such that projection 21 B surrounds reces 21 A (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
- the lower side of sheet 50 around center through hole 50 A is adhesively held over the circular ring portion of disc segment 8 , resulting in highly dustproof construction.
- the periphery of sheet 50 may be adhesively held on the upper end face of switch enclosure 21 .
- Metal cover 13 is provided with cover terminal 13 E as a so-called ground terminal.
- Other components of metal cover 13 are the same as those of the example of the related art.
- the following description will be given with the same numerals and signs of the components of metal cover 13 as those of the example of the related art and descriptions of detailed configurations thereof will be omitted.
- a pressing segment 13 C formed in metal cover 13 has downward projection 13 D, the lower side of which faces off against the apex of disc segment 8 corresponding to the position of center through hole 50 A with a predetermined vertical gap between projection 13 D and the apex of disc segment 8 .
- Center through hole 50 A is larger than downward projection 13 D.
- the push-on switch is normally off. In this state, movable contact 7 is only in contact with outer contact 41 but neither with center contact 3 nor peripheral contacts 31 , 32 .
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch.
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 7 collectively shows the relationship between the travel in the operation described above and the timing when the switch at each stage turns on.
- the first-stage switch can be turned on not only with a very low and weak operation force but also with very short travel.
- a downward movement of downward projection 13 D corresponding to that gap can turn the first-stage switch on.
- Pressing segment 13 C is preferably configured to prevent an accidental turn-on of the first-stage switch when it is not in operation, for example, due to self-weight bending of pressing segment 13 C, by retaining pressing segment 13 C at an elevated position lifted by bends disposed at the base parts of elastic arms 13 B extending from flat frame-like segment 13 A.
- the state of the first-stage switch can be changed with a very small force, that is, only the spring tension of elastic arms 13 B of metal cover 13 .
- a force required to move pressing segment 13 C during the first-stage action can easily be set to an even smaller value than that of conventionally required.
- the pressing segment of the metal cover may be differently configured from the one described above.
- the first-stage switch is always on when the second-stage switch is on.
- Ring segment 10 may be configured to give a moderate click feeling when it inversely change its shape. In either case, during and after the above actions, it is preferable to keep the state in which one of projecting segments 11 is permanently in contact with outer contact 41 , allowing the second-stage switch to be turned on while the first-stage switch keeps turning on.
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch.
- FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown in FIG. 3 .
- these drawings only show main segments for metal cover 13 .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B When pressing segment 13 C is pushed downward and hence downward projection 13 D pushes disc segment 8 of movable contact 7 downward, disc segment 8 , which is supported by its periphery placed on peripheral contacts 31 and 32 , moderate click feeling changes from the convex shape to a downward concave shape, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B .
- sheet 50 is also further pulled at center through hole 50 A.
- the convex-to-concave movement of disc segment 8 causes the center lower side of disc segment 8 to come into contact with center contact 3 .
- This third-stage action turns the third-stage switch on where connection terminal 3 A of center contact 3 in addition to cover terminal 13 E and connection terminals 31 A, 32 A become electrically continuous with each other via movable contact 7 .
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown in FIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the third-stage switch.
- FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-
- low-profile projection 21 B on the upper end of switch enclosure 21 preferably surrounds entire recess 21 A. In some cases, dual low-profile projections 21 B may be provided.
- the push-on switch according to the invention is a multistage switch in which the first-stage switch can be turned on not only with a very low and weak force, for example, only by placing a finger on the operation section, but also with a short travel.
- the on-state of the first-stage switch can also be retained only by keeping placing the finger on the operation section without having to push it hard with the finger, the on-state is more easily retained than conventionally achievable.
- further operation with a low force turns the second-stage switch on while the first-stage switch keeps turning on.
- One further operation provides a moderate click feeling and turns the third-stage switch on.
- the transition to the on-state of the first-stage switch may be used to activate focus adjustment or anti-handshake function, resulting in a user-friendly product.
- the first-stage switch When the user places a finger on the shutter release button or record start button while pointing the lens at a subject, the first-stage switch turns on without having to even lightly press the button. This will immediately activate focus adjustment or anti-handshake function.
- the on-state of the first-stage switch is easily retained only by continuously placing the finger on the operation section, thereby providing better user-friendliness than conventionally achievable. Moreover, if a moderate click feeling is provided when the subsequent light press operation changes the state of the second-stage switch, the user can recognize through the sensation in the finger that a corresponding function is working. Then, as in conventional examples, firmer pressing turns the third-stage switch on, providing a trigger to activate a predetermined function, such as firing the shutter or starting recording.
- the push-on switch according to the invention is not limited to camera applications.
- it maybe equipped in AV/OA products or various remoter controllers.
- the push-on switch may also be used as a basis to configure its various derivative products.
- Examples of such derivative products include: a configuration shown in FIG. 10 in which the bottom of other cutout groove 23 is configured to be outer contact 42 formed of a routed portion from the other peripheral contact 32 , as in the configuration in which the bottom of cutout groove 22 is provided with outer contact 41 ; a configuration in which outer contact 42 is permanently connected to the other corresponding projecting segment 11 ; a configuration in which outer contact 42 and the other projecting segment 11 face off against each other with a predetermined gap therebetween; and even a configuration in which a peripheral contact and an outer contact are independently disposed, each provided with a connection terminal.
- a multistage push-on switch can be achieved in which the first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained.
- the push-on switch may be easily applied to input operation sections in various electronic apparatuses, providing high industrial applicability.
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- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided a multistage push-on switch used in input operation sections in various electronic apparatuses. In particular, there is provided a push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained. The push-on switch is configured such that movable contact (7) having projecting segment (11) permanently connected with outer contact (41) is accommodated in recess (21A) of switch enclosure (21), on which sheet (50) with center through hole (50A) for movable contact (7) is placed. The push-on switch also includes metal cover (13) with a cover terminal. Metal cover (13) is attached to switch enclosure (21) such that pressing segment (13C) faces off against disc segment (8) of movable contact (7) corresponding to the position of the center through hole (50A) with a predetermined vertical gap between pressing segment (13C) and disc segment (8). When a very low and weak force is applied on pressing segment (13C), it comes into contact with disc segment (8) to change the state of the first-stage switch.
Description
- The present invention relates to a multistage push-on switch used mainly in an input operation section or the like of various electronic apparatuses, such as cameras and video camcorders.
- One of conventionally known push-on switches of this type is a dual-stage switch in which a first-stage switch turns on when the switch is lightly pressed, and then a second-stage switch turns on when the switch is more firmly pressed. Such a push-on switch is frequently used in an input operation section, such as a shutter release button of a camera and a record start button of a video camcorder.
-
FIG. 11 is an exterior perspective view of a conventional push-on switch.FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch ofFIG. 11 .FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown inFIG. 11 .FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown inFIG. 11 . - FIGS. 11 to 13B show substantially
rectangular switch enclosure 1 made of resin that includesrecess 1A with an open upper side. On the inner bottom of substantiallycircular recess 1A, as shown inFIG. 14 , which is described later, there are provided two electrically isolatedperipheral contacts 2 andcenter contact 3 that has a slightly lower height thanperipheral contacts 2. Those bare, fixed contacts are formed by insert molding. -
Connection terminals switch enclosure 1 and protrude therefrom.Connection terminal 6A, which is a dummy terminal, is also provided on an outer side ofswitch enclosure 1 and protrudes therefrom. - There are provided a pair of step-shaped
movable contact receptacles 4 at opposite positions on side walls that form recess 1A. There are also provided a pair ofcutout grooves 5 along a line perpendicular to the line connecting one ofmovable contact receptacles 4 and the othermovable contact receptacle 4. - As shown in the plan and side views of
FIGS. 15A and 15B ,movable contact 7 formed by press working elastic sheet metal includes spherically, upward curvedcenter disc segment 8;circular ring segment 10 that is concentrically disposedoutside disc segment 8 with a fixed distance therebetween; a pair of inclined connectingsegments 9 that are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the center ofmovable contact 7 and connectdisc segment 8 andring segment 10 such thatdisc segment 8 is higher thanring segment 10; and a pair of linearly projectingsegments 11 that protrude outward fromring segment 10.Ring segment 10 is curved upward in a substantially V-shape such that two opposite positions disposed perpendicular to connectingsegments 9 are twoapexes 10B. -
FIG. 16 is a plan view showingmovable contact 7 mounted inswitch enclosure 1.Projecting segments 11 are inserted incutout grooves 5 such that the convexly curved side ofmovable contact 7 orients upward.Side sections 10A of the V-shaped bends ofring segment 10 are disposed inrecess 1A ofswitch enclosure 1 such that they are mounted onmovable contact receptacles 4, as shown inFIG. 13B . - The upper side of
switch enclosure 1 is covered with flexibleinsulating film sheet 12, as shown inFIGS. 13A, 13B and 12.Metal cover 13 is attached toswitch enclosure 1 viasheet 12.Sheet 12 is sandwiched between the lower side ofmetal cover 13 and the upper end face ofswitch enclosure 1 as well as low-profile projection 1B disposed on the upper end face ofswitch enclosure 1 such thatprojection 1B surrounds recess 1A. - As shown in
FIG. 11 and other figures,metal cover 13 includes a pair ofelastic arms 13B extending from flat frame-like segment 13A toward the center ofmetal cover 13, and centerpressing segment 13C joined with flat frame-like segment 13A viaelastic arms 13B.Pressing segment 13C has a substantially circular periphery and is provided withdownward projection 13D at its center that protrudes downward. - The thus configured conventional push-on switch is normally of f because
movable contact 7 is apart fromperipheral contacts 2 andcenter contact 3, as shown inFIG. 13A . - The operation of the above push-on switch when it is pressed will be described with reference to cross-sectional views of
FIGS. 17A, 17B , 18A and 18B.FIGS. 17A and 18A are cross-sectional views taken along the line P-P shown inFIG. 11 .FIGS. 17B and 18B are cross-sectional views taken along the line Q-Q shown inFIG. 11 . For clarity, these drawings only show main segments formetal cover 13. - When pressing
segment 13C ofmetal cover 13 is lightly pushed from above, pressingsegment 13C moves downward and downwardprojection 13D pressesdisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 viasheet 12. When the pressing force exceeds a predetermined value, as shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B ,ring segment 10 ofmovable contact 7, supported by the portions ofring segment 10 placed onmovable contact receptacles 4, moderate click feeling changes from the convex shape to a concave shape whiledisc segment 8 keeps its spherical shape. At this point, disc segment-side base parts of two connectingsegments 9 come into contact with two electrically isolatedperipheral contacts 2, respectively. This first-stage action turns the first-stage switch on where twoperipheral contacts 2, that is,connection terminals FIG. 16 ) become electrically continuous with each other viamovable contact 7. - When
pressing segment 13C is further pushed downward from this state to pushdisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 downward viasheet 12,disc segment 8, which is now supported by its periphery placed onperipheral contacts 2, moderate click feeling changes from the convex shape to a downward concave shape, as shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B , and the center lower side ofdisc segment 8 comes into contact withcenter contact 3. This second-stage action turns the second-stage switch on wherecenter contact 3 as well as twoperipheral contacts 2, which have been already short-circuited when the first-stage switch has been turned on, that is,connection terminal 3A as well asconnection terminals FIG. 16 ) become electrically continuous with each other. - Thereafter, when the pushing force on
pressing segment 13C is removed, the pressing force ondisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 is removed anddisc segment 8 first restores its upward protruding spherical shape due to its elastic restoring force. Consequently, the center lower side ofdisc segment 8 separates fromcenter contact 3 and the second-stage switch returns to its off-state, followed by the movement of connectingsegments 9 returning to their inclined state in which theirdisc segment 8 side sections become higher than the other side. At the same time, disc segment-side parts of the connectingsegments 9 separate fromperipheral contacts 2 and the first-stage switch also returns to its off-state. Whenmovable contact 7 restores its original shape,sheet 12 as well aselastic arms 13B joined withpressing segment 13C return to their original positions. -
FIG. 19 shows the relationship between the travel in each operation described above and the timing when the switch at each stage turns on. - Such a conventional push-on switch is equipped as a switch of a shutter release section of a digital still camera, for example, and an on-signal supplied from the first-stage switch by a light press operation activates focus adjustment for a subject. Another on-signal supplied from the second-stage switch by a firmer press operation fires the shutter.
- A known related art document associated with the invention of this application is, for example, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 1999-232962.
- The above-mentioned conventional push-on switch is equipped, for example, in shutter release sections of various cameras. On the other hand, as digital still cameras and video camcorders become commonplace, such cameras themselves have been modified in various ways and provided with enhanced functionality and user friendly features.
- Under the current situation in which cameras with an anti-handshake function is especially well accepted in the market, when the above-mentioned conventional push-on switch is used as a shutter release button or a record start button of such a camera with an anti-handshake function, the on-signal from the first-stage switch activates the anti-handshake function as well as focus adjustment. To keep these functions activated, after the first moderate click feeling of the switch is provided, this pressed state must be retained. In this case, only a relatively low operation force is enough to keep the first-stage switch on. However, when taking pictures while the user is moving, problems arise for example, the finger may slightly come off the operation button or the above activated state may undesirably be released. Therefore, there is a desire to achieve a push-on switch that overcomes such problems.
- The invention overcomes such problems associated with the related art and provides a multistage push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained.
- A push-on switch according to the invention includes:
- (a) a switch enclosure made of insulating resin;
- (b) a movable contact made of elastic sheet metal that is disposed in a recess of the switch enclosure made of insulating resin;
- (c) a sheet that is disposed to cover the recess of the switch enclosure made of insulating resin, the sheet having a center through hole; and
- (d) a metal cover attached to the insulating switch enclosure, the metal cover having a cover terminal and a pressing segment at a position corresponding to the position of the center through hole of the sheet.
- The switch enclosure made of insulating resin (a) includes:
- (a1) a center contact and two peripheral contacts disposed equidistantly therefrom disposed on the inner bottom of the recess with an open upper side; and
- (a2) at least one outer contact outside the peripheral contacts.
- The movable contact (b) includes:
- (b1) a disc segment with a spherically curved upper surface and a periphery disposed above the peripheral contacts with a predetermined gap therebetween;
- (b2) an outer ring segment that is concentrically joined with the disc segment by a flexible connecting segment with a fixed distance between the ring segment and the disc segment, the ring segment mounted on a step-shaped movable contact receptacle provided in the recess of the switch enclosure; and
- (b3) a projecting segment that protrudes outward from the ring segment,
- (b4) the projecting segment permanently connected with the outer contact (a2).
- With such a configuration, the pressing segment of the metal cover may be pressed downward and comes into contact with the disc segment of the movable contact to turn a first-stage switch on, and a force required to move the pressing segment may be lower than conventionally required.
- When the pressing segment in the above state is further pressed with a low operation force, the movable contact comes into contact with the peripheral contacts to turn a second-stage switch on where the peripheral contacts are electrically continuous with each other. Subsequent firmer pressing operation causes the disc segment of the movable contact to be inverted in shape to turn a third-stage switch on where the movable contact also comes into contact with the center contact.
- The outer contact of the push-on switch according to the invention is electrically continuous with one of the peripheral contacts, so that the first-stage switch is always on when the second-stage switch turns on.
- The push-on switch according to the invention is configured such that the lower side of the sheet around the center through hole is adhesively held over a circular ring portion of the disc segment of the movable contact, resulting in highly dustproof construction.
- As described above, the invention can provide a multistage push-on switch in which a first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is another cross-sectional view of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the switch enclosure according to the invention; -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a state-transition diagram during the operation of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch of the push-on switch according to the invention; -
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the third-stage switch; -
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of other configuration; -
FIG. 11 is an exterior perspective view of a conventional push-on switch; -
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the conventional push-on switch taken along the line P-P shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the switch enclosure of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15A is a plan view of the movable contact of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15B is a side view of the movable contact of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the movable contact mounted in the switch enclosure of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown inFIG. 11 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch of the conventional push-on switch; -
FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P shown inFIG. 11 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch of the conventional push-on switch; -
FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q shown inFIG. 11 ; and -
FIG. 19 is a state-transition diagram during the operation of the conventional push-on switch ofFIG. 11 . -
- 3 center contact
- 3A, 6A, 31A, 32A connection terminal
- 7 movable contact
- 8 disc segment
- 9 connecting segment
- 10 ring segment
- 10A side section
- 10B apex
- 11 protruding segment
- 13 metal cover
- 13A flat frame-like segment
- 13B elastic arm
- 13C pressing segment
- 13D downward projection
- 13E cover terminal
- 21 switch enclosure
- 21A recess
- 21B low-profile projection
- 22, 23 cutout groove
- 24 movable contact receptacle
- 31, 32 peripheral contact
- 41, 42 outer contact
- 50 sheet
- 50A center through hole
- An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Structures similar to those in the example of the related art have the same numerals or signs and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views of the push-on switch according to one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the push-on switch ofFIGS. 1 and 2 .FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push-on switch ofFIGS. 1 and 2 .FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 . - In FIGS. 1 to 3, substantially
rectangular switch enclosure 21 made of resin hasrecess 21A with an open upper side. Substantiallycircular recess 21A hascutout grooves switch enclosure 21. Inrecess 21A, there are also provided a pair of step-shapedmovable contact receptacles 24 disposed at right angles with respect tocutout grooves - Fixed
center contact 3 is formed by insert molding at the center position on the inner bottom ofrecess 21A. Two electrically isolatedperipheral contacts center contact 3 on the periphery ofrecess 21A. Those bare, fixed contacts are formed by insert molding. The height difference betweenperipheral contacts center contact 3 is the same as that of the example of the related art. -
Peripheral contact 31 is routed towardcutout groove 22 and forms the bottom ofcutout groove 22. The bottom ofcutout groove 22 protrudes upward from the inner bottom ofrecess 21A andouter contact 41 is formed on the bottom ofcutout groove 22. - Other
peripheral contact 32 is routed away from the bottom ofcutout groove 23 and embedded inswitch enclosure 21. -
Connection terminal 3A electrically continuous withcenter contact 3 is led out to an outer side ofswitch enclosure 21 and protrudes therefrom.Connection terminal 31A electrically continuous withperipheral contact 31 andouter contact 41 as well asconnection terminal 32A electrically continuous withperipheral contact 32 are also independently led out to outer sides ofswitch enclosure 21 and protrude therefrom. There is also providedconnection terminal 6A as a dummy terminal. -
Movable contact 7 is accommodated inrecess 21A.Movable contact 7 has projectingsegments 11 linearly protruding therefrom and slightly bent downward at a predetermined angle. - Projecting
segments 11 ofmovable contact 7 are inserted incutout grooves center disc segment 8 as well asapexes 10B of the V-shaped bends ofcircular ring segment 10 that is concentrically joined with the periphery ofcenter disc segment 8 orient upward.Side sections 10A of the V-shaped bends ofring segment 10 are disposed inrecess 21A ofswitch enclosure 21 such that they are mounted onmovable contact receptacles 24, as shown inFIG. 2 . - The lower end of one of projecting
segments 11 inserted incutout groove 22 is permanently connected withouter contact 41 that forms the bottom ofcutout groove 22. The lower end of the other projectingsegment 11 inserted incutout groove 23 also abuts the bottom ofcutout groove 23. Alternatively, the other projectingsegment 11 may be disposed at a slightly different height relative to the one of projectingsegments 11 and hence faces off againstcutout groove 23. -
Elastic sheet 50 made of rubber or insulating film has circular center throughhole 50A smaller thandisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7. The center of center throughhole 50A is located at the center ofdisc segment 8, and the periphery ofsheet 50 is sandwiched between the lower side of flat frame-like segment 13A ofmetal cover 13 and the upper end face ofswitch enclosure 21 as well as low-profile projection 21B disposed on the upper end face ofswitch enclosure 21 such thatprojection 21B surroundsrecess 21A (seeFIGS. 4 and 5 ). The lower side ofsheet 50 around center throughhole 50A is adhesively held over the circular ring portion ofdisc segment 8, resulting in highly dustproof construction. The periphery ofsheet 50 may be adhesively held on the upper end face ofswitch enclosure 21. -
Metal cover 13 is provided withcover terminal 13E as a so-called ground terminal. Other components ofmetal cover 13 are the same as those of the example of the related art. Thus, as inmovable contact 7, the following description will be given with the same numerals and signs of the components ofmetal cover 13 as those of the example of the related art and descriptions of detailed configurations thereof will be omitted. - A
pressing segment 13C formed inmetal cover 13 hasdownward projection 13D, the lower side of which faces off against the apex ofdisc segment 8 corresponding to the position of center throughhole 50A with a predetermined vertical gap betweenprojection 13D and the apex ofdisc segment 8. Center throughhole 50A is larger thandownward projection 13D. - The operation of the thus configured push-on switch according to the invention will be described below.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the push-on switch is normally off. In this state,movable contact 7 is only in contact withouter contact 41 but neither withcenter contact 3 norperipheral contacts - During this state, when a finger is lightly placed on pressing
segment 13C ofmetal cover 13, for example,center pressing segment 13C supported byelastic arms 13B slightly moves downward. Consequently, as shown inFIG. 6 , the lower side ofdownward projection 13D abuts the part ofdisc segment 8 that corresponds to the position of center throughhole 50A ofsheet 50. This first-stage action turns a first-stage switch on where metal cover 13 andmovable contact 7, that is,cover terminal 13E andconnection terminal 31A become electrically continuous with each other. -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the first-stage switch.FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 7 collectively shows the relationship between the travel in the operation described above and the timing when the switch at each stage turns on. - As seen from
FIG. 7 , the first-stage switch can be turned on not only with a very low and weak operation force but also with very short travel. For example, whendownward projection 13D ofmetal cover 13 and the apex ofdisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 face off against each other with a vertical gap of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm therebetween, a downward movement ofdownward projection 13D corresponding to that gap can turn the first-stage switch on.Pressing segment 13C is preferably configured to prevent an accidental turn-on of the first-stage switch when it is not in operation, for example, due to self-weight bending of pressingsegment 13C, by retainingpressing segment 13C at an elevated position lifted by bends disposed at the base parts ofelastic arms 13B extending from flat frame-like segment 13A. - In the configuration as described above, by setting the amount of projection of
downward projection 13D such thatpressing segment 13C will not pushsheet 50 downward when the first-stage switch is turned on, the state of the first-stage switch can be changed with a very small force, that is, only the spring tension ofelastic arms 13B ofmetal cover 13. Thus, a force required to movepressing segment 13C during the first-stage action can easily be set to an even smaller value than that of conventionally required. Alternatively, the pressing segment of the metal cover may be differently configured from the one described above. - Thereafter, when a low pushing force comparative to that in the example of the related art is applied on pressing
segment 13C ofmetal cover 13 in the above state,disc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 is further pressed. Then, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B ,ring segment 10 ofmovable contact 7, supported by the portions ofring segment 10 placed onmovable contact receptacles 24, changes from the convex shape to a concave shape whiledisc segment 8 keeps its spherical shape.Sheet 50 also bends at center throughhole 50A as pressingsegment 13C moves downward. This convex-to-concave movement ofring segment 10 causes the disc-side base portions of two connectingsegments 9 connectingdisc segment 8 andring segment 10 come into contact withperipheral contacts connection terminal 32A in addition to cover terminal 13E andconnection terminal 31A become electrically continuous with each other. - As
peripheral contact 31 andouter contact 41 is electrically continuous with each other in the present configuration, the first-stage switch is always on when the second-stage switch is on.Ring segment 10 may be configured to give a moderate click feeling when it inversely change its shape. In either case, during and after the above actions, it is preferable to keep the state in which one of projectingsegments 11 is permanently in contact withouter contact 41, allowing the second-stage switch to be turned on while the first-stage switch keeps turning on. -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the second-stage switch.FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 . As in the example of the related art, including the following action views, these drawings only show main segments formetal cover 13. - When pressing
segment 13C is pushed downward and hencedownward projection 13D pushesdisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 downward,disc segment 8, which is supported by its periphery placed onperipheral contacts FIGS. 9A and 9B . Asdisc segment 8 moves,sheet 50 is also further pulled at center throughhole 50A. The convex-to-concave movement ofdisc segment 8 causes the center lower side ofdisc segment 8 to come into contact withcenter contact 3. This third-stage action turns the third-stage switch on whereconnection terminal 3A ofcenter contact 3 in addition to cover terminal 13E andconnection terminals movable contact 7.FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R shown inFIG. 3 for explaining the operation of the third-stage switch.FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S shown inFIG. 3 . - As shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B , by employing a configuration in which one of projectingsegments 11 is permanently connected withouter contact 41, and the operation ofdisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 is carried out with the periphery ofdisc segment 8 supported byperipheral contact 31, which is electrically continuous withouter contact 41, andperipheral contact 32, the third-stage can be switched while the first and second-stage switches keeps turning on. - To prevent
sheet 50 from being displaced to the center side during the above action, low-profile projection 21B on the upper end ofswitch enclosure 21 preferably surroundsentire recess 21A. In some cases, dual low-profile projections 21B may be provided. - When the pushing force on pressing
segment 13C is removed, the pressing force ondisc segment 8 ofmovable contact 7 is removed anddisc segment 8 restores its upward protruding spherical shape due to its elastic restoring force. Consequently, the center lower side ofdisc segment 8 separates fromcenter contact 3 and the third-stage switch returns to its off-state. Substantially at the same time, the connectingsegments 9 return to their inclined state in which theirdisc 8 segment side sections become higher than the other side, and hence the second-stage switch returns to its off-state whereperipheral contacts sheet 50 pushed upward and returned to its original position by its own restoring force as well as the restoring motion ofmovable contact 7, but also the pair ofelastic arms 13B extending from flat frame-like portion 13A toward the center return to its non-active upper position. This returns the first-stage switch to its off-state wherepressing segment 13C ofmetal cover 13 is not in contact withmovable contact 7. - As described above, the push-on switch according to the invention is a multistage switch in which the first-stage switch can be turned on not only with a very low and weak force, for example, only by placing a finger on the operation section, but also with a short travel.
- As the on-state of the first-stage switch can also be retained only by keeping placing the finger on the operation section without having to push it hard with the finger, the on-state is more easily retained than conventionally achievable. During the on-state of the first-stage switch resulting from the light press operation, further operation with a low force turns the second-stage switch on while the first-stage switch keeps turning on. One further operation provides a moderate click feeling and turns the third-stage switch on.
- Applications of the push-on switch according to the invention will be described. It can be applied to shutter release sections of various cameras or record start buttons of video camcorders as in conventional examples.
- In these cases, when the push-on switch according to the invention is equipped in a product with an anti-handshake function, the transition to the on-state of the first-stage switch may be used to activate focus adjustment or anti-handshake function, resulting in a user-friendly product.
- When the user places a finger on the shutter release button or record start button while pointing the lens at a subject, the first-stage switch turns on without having to even lightly press the button. This will immediately activate focus adjustment or anti-handshake function.
- The on-state of the first-stage switch is easily retained only by continuously placing the finger on the operation section, thereby providing better user-friendliness than conventionally achievable. Moreover, if a moderate click feeling is provided when the subsequent light press operation changes the state of the second-stage switch, the user can recognize through the sensation in the finger that a corresponding function is working. Then, as in conventional examples, firmer pressing turns the third-stage switch on, providing a trigger to activate a predetermined function, such as firing the shutter or starting recording.
- Even when the push-on switch according to the invention is employed in a configuration in which focus adjustment or anti-handshake function is activated when the second-stage switch is turned on, the problems with the related art can be solved by performing the following operation.
- Now, consider a situation in which the user is taking pictures while moving, for example, and the finger slightly comes off the operation section, causing the second-stage switch to turn off. As the first-stage switch of the switch according to the invention keeps turning on only by placing the finger on the operation section, a configuration in which accidental deactivation of focus adjustment or anti-handshake function will not likely occur can be achieved by activating a timer in a apparatus-side controller after the second-stage switch turns off in order to keep the focus adjustment or anti-handshake function working except when the first-stage switch turns off in a predetermined period of time.
- The push-on switch according to the invention is not limited to camera applications. For example, it maybe equipped in AV/OA products or various remoter controllers.
- The push-on switch may also be used as a basis to configure its various derivative products.
- Examples of such derivative products include: a configuration shown in
FIG. 10 in which the bottom ofother cutout groove 23 is configured to beouter contact 42 formed of a routed portion from the otherperipheral contact 32, as in the configuration in which the bottom ofcutout groove 22 is provided withouter contact 41; a configuration in whichouter contact 42 is permanently connected to the other corresponding projectingsegment 11; a configuration in whichouter contact 42 and the other projectingsegment 11 face off against each other with a predetermined gap therebetween; and even a configuration in which a peripheral contact and an outer contact are independently disposed, each provided with a connection terminal. - According to the invention, a multistage push-on switch can be achieved in which the first-stage switch turns on with an operation force lower than conventionally achievable and the resultant on-state is easily retained. Thus, the push-on switch may be easily applied to input operation sections in various electronic apparatuses, providing high industrial applicability.
Claims (3)
1. A push-on switch comprising:
a switch enclosure made of insulating resin;
a movable contact disposed in a recess of the switch enclosure made of insulating resin;
a sheet disposed to cover the recess of the switch enclosure made of insulating resin, the sheet having a center through hole; and
a metal cover attached to the switch enclosure made of insulating resin, the metal cover having a cover terminal and a pressing segment at a position corresponding to the position of the center through hole of the sheet, the switch enclosure made of insulating resin including on the inner bottom of the recess with an open upper side:
a center contact and two peripheral contacts disposed equidistantly therefrom; and
at least one outer contact outside the peripheral contacts,
the movable contact including:
a disc segment with a spherically curved upper surface and a periphery disposed above the peripheral contacts with a predetermined gap therebetween;
an outer ring segment that is concentrically joined with the disc segment by a flexible connecting segment with a fixed distance between the ring segment and the disc segment, the ring segment mounted on a step-shaped movable contact receptacle provided in the recess of the switch enclosure; and
a projecting segment that protrudes outward from the ring segment, the projecting segment permanently connected with the outer contact.
2. The push-on switch of claim 1 , wherein the outer contact is electrically continuous with one of the peripheral contacts.
3. The push-on switch of claim 1 , wherein the lower side of the sheet around the center through hole is adhesively held over a circular ring portion of the disc segment of the movable contact.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005-236274 | 2005-08-17 | ||
JP2005236274A JP4513688B2 (en) | 2005-08-17 | 2005-08-17 | Push-on switch |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070039811A1 true US20070039811A1 (en) | 2007-02-22 |
US7368672B2 US7368672B2 (en) | 2008-05-06 |
Family
ID=37738071
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/497,373 Expired - Fee Related US7368672B2 (en) | 2005-08-17 | 2006-08-02 | Push-on switch |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7368672B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4513688B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100490037C (en) |
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US20180348942A1 (en) * | 2015-11-26 | 2018-12-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd | Method and electronic device for acquiring user input |
US10698519B2 (en) * | 2015-11-26 | 2020-06-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method and electronic device for acquiring user input |
US10930448B2 (en) | 2016-12-22 | 2021-02-23 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Push-button switch member |
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US11081301B2 (en) * | 2019-08-01 | 2021-08-03 | C&K Components S.A.S. | Assembly comprising a normally-open electrical switch and a control blade for controlling its change of state which keeps it closed at rest |
US20220039249A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Harman Becker Automotive Systems Gmbh | Cover for pressing a printed-circuit board on a heat sink |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2007052962A (en) | 2007-03-01 |
JP4513688B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
CN100490037C (en) | 2009-05-20 |
US7368672B2 (en) | 2008-05-06 |
CN1917112A (en) | 2007-02-21 |
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